Fiber Phenotype

Fiber phenotype refers to cannabis plants selected and bred primarily for stalk and stem production rather than cannabinoid content. These plants typically develop longer internodes, thicker woody stems, and minimal flower density—traits optimized for hemp fiber extraction used in textiles, composites, and construction materials. Fiber phenotypes are commonly associated with lower THC and CBD concentrations, as breeding prioritizes structural biomass. Lineage records frequently report that fiber-type cultivars originate from industrial hemp programs and European breeding stocks historically developed for dual-purpose or fiber-exclusive cultivation. The phenotype's success depends on soil conditions, spacing, and harvesting timing, which influence stalk quality and processing efficiency.

Breeders working in the fiber category select for stem elongation, bark thickness, and reduced flowering investment to maximize yield of usable stalk per hectare. Cross-breeding fiber phenotypes with dual-purpose lines has become a standard approach to balance fiber quality with regulatory cannabinoid thresholds in jurisdictions permitting hemp cultivation.